Clarkstown police arrest two in connection to purse-snatchings

CONGERS – Two individuals were arrested over the weekend in connection to a string of four purse-snatching incidents which occurred in Clarkstown over the past week.

Spiro Mandarakas, 29 of Washingtonville, NY and Shelly Schadt, 37 with no fixed residence, were arrested by New York State Police on April 13. After police confirmed the car was being driven without the owner’s authorization, a brief chase ensued on Route 303 before the suspects voluntarily stopped in Congers the intersection of 304 and Route 9W.

Mandarakas and Schadt were initially brought to the State Police station in Tarrytown, but were brought back to Clarkstown for further processing because they matched the description of suspects in four larcenies at various shopping centers in Clarkstown. They were also found to be in possession of two stolen credit cards likely obtained at an incident at the Nanuet Costco.

The suspects were each charged with five counts of grand larceny and felony possession of stolen property. They are currently being held on $100,000 bail and are awaiting an initial April 16 court date.